30 Designer Secrets in 30 Days

Stephen Shadley On Defining a Style

In many years of designing homes, to my own surprise, I haven’t developed a signature style. That’s allowed me a sort of freedom. Each project has been driven by what the home or apartment has to offer and a client’s expression of how they want it to feel. As a result, I’ve been able to explore many different paths as a designer.

When a new project begins, the architecture dictates much of what I design. I love to work on homes that have an architectural heritage. Whether it’s 19th century, 1920s or midcentury modern, there’s great fun in evoking history in a fresh way. I like to play with the architectural elements and details while remaining respectful of the structure or space. I search out appropriate period furnishings, fabrics and even art and then mix in unexpected elements. One client wanted a Balinese feel, and together we decided to only allude to that in subtle ways. Still, that idea was the springboard for a very beautiful and unusual home. Visitors get a sense of something exotic that they can’t quite put their finger on.

Clients really hold the key to a successful project. Sometimes they know exactly what they want and other times they look to me, as their designer, for inspiration and guidance. The way I see it, my function is to help them reach their goal, not mine. Ultimately, they should be the arbiters of what their home will convey. When the collaboration works really well, we each feel a sense of accomplishment and pride!